Every few years lace up ankle booties come back into style. These vintage lace up boots could very well be the original pair that all of those boots are based on.

Even thought they are from the 19th century -- that's 18-something! -- and over a hundred years old, possibly two, they are still totally in style. In fact, they look like a Gothic Lolita version of these white Chanel boots with the black cap toe.

Unlike the Chanel boots, which are unavailable and likely would cost four figures anyway, in theory we actually could buy these lace up boots and wear them. The price, $550, is in line with what a good pair of boots cost these days. But they are so old that we'd feel compelled to put them in a protective Lucite case and gaze on them in two-toned-shoe-loving wonder.

Sadly, some vintage items just aren't meant for day wear.